Muammar al Gaddafi at the AU Summit photo credit: wikimedia

In an age characterized by deficits, a number of the most important are occurring within the Middle East and North Africa. Truly, the historic revolutions occurring in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya are of enormous importance to the future of the entire region. It has sparked a wave of democratic momentum that has swept, to some degree, the entire region. For a region caught within the thralls of monumental political movements from democratic capitalism; to communist socialism; to brutal dictatorship, Pan-Arabism and extremist Islam, it has been the voice of the people themselves; those nameless victims, that has been continually suppressed. These revolutions mark a historical precedent, an opportunity for the people to begin the long and arduous process of mending the social fabric torn apart through violence, corruption and mistrust. However, to say that the fight has been all but won would be a gross miscalculation. In fact, as the embattled rulers of these nations begin to vacate their positions of power and privilege, a new battle begins. Their departure causes a gaping hole in the geopolitics of, not only the region, but the entire international structure; one that many parties are anxious to capitalize on.

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As a teenager, I took a trip with my family to England to visit my relatives there. One day my Dad and I were out for a walk when we came across a large building with and intriguing sign on the front and so we went it. Once inside, we discovered a large complex devoted to sports and recreation. This building consisted of soccer fields, tennis courts, a baseball cage, a recreational area and much more. While there, we joined in a game of soccer with some local kids. When we finished I felt tired, but exhilarated. It was so refreshing to be able to participate in an impromptu game of soccer without the need to sign any registration forms, buy equipment or play in a street somewhere. That experience became a highlight of my trip and is an issue that I have come to think about many times.

Some may ask themselves whether concentrating on such a minute matter, such as child activity, is really necessary given the bigger and more influential problems we face today. However, I would argue that devoting more time and attention to our local communities is as important as it has ever been. Any measure that can be seen to strengthen our communities will have positive repercussions in a number of ways and what better place to start then the new generation of future leaders, our children.
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Preventative health measures seem to be all the rage, and so they should be!

In a time when economic and political stresses and strains weigh heavily on the minds of not only our leaders but every individual as the try to cope with the realities of an economic downturn, preventative measures seem to be an affective answer to some areas of concern.

The CHHS-AP has released a report focused on finding ways to prevent heart problems before they happen. A proactive approach to what is quickly becoming the deadliest of diseases around the world with an estimated 23.4 million people worldwide set to die from heart diseases by 2030 (WHO, 2008). In Canada alone 1 in every 20 people are diagnosed with a CV (Cardio-vascular) disease and this number could increase if nothing is done.
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